Heading to Vienna? Here are the top attractions

Heading to Vienna? Here are the top attractions

Hundreds of people like to see this time of year as their chance to squeeze in a last minute holiday. Whether you like the draw of Christmas markets, or you just enjoy soaking up another culture for a few days, you can find plenty of last-minute deals out there to suit your tastes. It can be tricky to decide where to go of course, but a lot of people are flocking to Vienna. It has everything from fine cuisine and grand cathedrals, to prestigious museums and some of the most stunning palaces you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you’re one of those planning a trips there, you may need a few pointers on where to start, in which case, read on to find out the top four attractions.

1. Karlskirche

here are so many grand old buildings and churches in Vienna, but the one you should head straight for is the Karlskirche (or St. Charles’ Church) – a baroque church located on the south side of Karlsplatz. This is considered by experts and locals alike to be the most magnificent example of a baroque church anywhere in Vienna, as well as one of the city’s iconic buildings.

Consecrated in 1737, it certainly has some unusual origins; following the last great plague epidemic, Charles VI pledged to build a church dedicated to Charles Borromeo – revered as a healer for plague sufferers. It may not have many healing powers, but it is a stunning example of 18th century architecture, so make sure you don’t miss it.

2. Leopold Museum

If you’d prefer something a little more contemporary in your cultural tour of Austria’s capital, you’ll be right at home in the Leopold Museum, located in the city’s famous Museumsquartier. With over 5,000 exhibits contained within its walls, it is home to one of the largest collections of modern Austrian art, including the world’s largest Egon Schiele collection.

You’ll be guaranteed to find an exhibit here that appeals to you. Over the course of the winter months, you can find ‘The Magic of Landscapes’, including works by Carl Moll and Hans Böhler, until 6th February next year. Or, how about the quirkier works by Benjamin Hirte, Sonia Leimer and Christian Kosmas Mayer to name just a few, in the ‘The Poetics of the Material’, which runs until 30th January?

3. Vienna State Opera

If you’re the type that would prefer to fill your time in Vienna with experiences, there’s no better activity for you than an evening at the opera. This musical form represents one of the oldest and most prestigious traditions in the whole of Austria, so if you really want to live like a local for an evening, why not head for the Vienna State Opera House?

There are currently dozens of famous showings, from The Marriage of Figaro to Don Giovanni; make sure you check out the various dates and tickets available at Viennaoperatickets.com, so that you don’t miss out.